New California Drivers' Licenses, ID Card Unveiled

SACRAMENTO (CBS) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Wednesday unveiled a new drivers' license that includes added security features to protect against fraud, tampering and counterfeiting.

Some of the new features include tactile date of birth and signatures; hidden images that can only be seen with ultraviolet lights; a bar code on the back for verification of the information displayed on the front; and a laser perforation outline of the California Brown Bear visible when a flashlight is shone through the card.

California's Driver License Getting New Look

In addition, cards issued to persons under 21 will come in a vertical layout.

"The new security features, coupled with advanced technology, make California driver licenses and identification cards one of the most secure identification documents in the country," said DMV Director George Valverde. "We are confident that they will be well-received by residents, businesses and law enforcement officials."

The information presented on the cards will not change with the new design.

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Although the new cards have started to be issued, existing license and ID cardholders will not be required to get new cards until their existing cards expire.

"It is very important to understand that cardholders are not required to get new cards until the expiration date printed on their current cards." said Director Valverde. "Remember, when it is time to renew your card, DMV has many services that are offered online to help customers avoid going into the field offices."

For more information visit www.dmv.ca.gov.